Exercise Physiology Faculty
Exercise Physiology Faculty: Scott Swanson
Associate Professor Scott Swanson enters his fourteenth year at Ohio Northern University (old enough to know better; young enough not to care). From 1998-2001, professor Swanson served a dual teaching role in the Biological Sciences and Allied Health department and Human Performance and Sport Sciences department, teaching anatomy and physiology and exercise physiology classes. Torn between two departments (and after lengthy and heated contract negotiations with his agent Drew Rosenhaus), Professor Swanson agreed
to teach exclusively in the Exercise Physiology program in 2002 after being bribed by two full snickers bars (not the wimpy snack size you get on Halloween). Professor Swanson also serves as the Program Coordinator for the Exercise Physiology program.
Professor Swanson completed his undergraduate degree from Alma College (Alma, MI) with a major in Biology and minor in Chemistry. His undergraduate thesis examined pesticide levels and control in Tribolium Brevicornis (if you know what that organism is, you win a prize!). Professor Swanson completed his Masters in Exercise Physiology from Kent State University (Kent, OH), where his research focused on the role of protein metabolism during aerobic exercise. (And he has seen the grassy knoll and bullet hole in the sculpture depicted in the media, as well as the memorial erected in the early 90's to honor those killed in the incident). Professor Swanson completed his Ph.D. from THE Ohio State University (Columbus, OH)- not to be confused with the much smaller and less academically challenging Ohio State University. His doctoral thesis examined the effect of eccentric exercise muscle damage on muscle glycogen resynthesis (subtitled "If my legs hurt after this, I get to eat lots of sugary foods, right?"). After cramming 6 good years of college into a four year period, Professor Swanson finally graduated and his illustrious academic career began in earnest.
Professor Swanson teaches all the other courses that Professor Terrell doesn't, including: Introduction to Exercise, Nutrition and Health, Exercise Physiology, Exercise/Fitness Testing and Prescription I and II, Pharmacology, Pathophysiology, and (student favorites) Research, Statistics and Design, Exercise Biochemistry and ECG Analysis. He also coordinates the 400 h capstone internship experience that students complete to gain real-world experience in a practical and applied setting.
Professor Swanson enjoys watching the Buckeyes almost win national championships every year, recreation running and strength training (chicken legs rule!), trying to limit his sugary junk food intake, and hanging out with his incredibly awesome son, Bret.
Exercise Physiology Faculty: Professor Sara Terrell
Assistant Professor Sara Terrell enters her eighth year at Ohio Northern University serving in a dual role as an Assistant Professor in the Exercise Physiology Program and as the Assistant Women's Basketball Coach.
Professor Terrell completed her undergraduate work at Adrian College (Adrian, MI) with a double major in Health, Physical Education and Recreation and English. She was a certified K-12 educator and taught 5th -8th grade Health and 7th grade Language Arts at Clinton Community schools (Clinton, MI) from 1997-2000. Terrell also served as an Assistant Girls Basketball Coach at Ann Arbor Pioneer High School.
Terrell then entered higher education serving as an adjunct instructor at Siena Heights University (Adrian, MI) in the Education department while pursuing her Masters Degree in Exercise Science from Eastern Michigan University. Concurrently, she worked for the University of Michigan Health Promotion department (MFIT) as an Exercise Specialist. She was responsible for exercise programming for healthy and select populations such as those suffering from orthopedic, neuromuscular, or cardiovascular conditions, geriatric and adolescent populations, as well as with patients transitioning from physical therapy programs. Additional responsibilities involved administering fitness assessments, conducting pre-exercise screenings, and conducting fitness center daily operations. She received her Masters of Science degree in Exercise Physiology from Eastern Michigan University in May, 2002. Terrell's research blends her background in exercise with her experience in coaching and focuses on optimal training modalities for female athletes. Her thesis, Preventative Neuromuscular Training Modalities as a method to reduce ACL injuries in Female Athletes - A Study of Coaches Attitudes and Perceptions, was accepted at the 2003 National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) National Conference abstract symposium in Indianapolis, IN. Terrell, a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), has participated in several NSCA personal training symposiums and state conferences as an active professional member.
Terrell's current Exercise Physiology courses include: Sport Nutrition and Supplementation, Exercise Programming for Select Populations, Kinesiology, Personal Training I, II, and Exercise Physiology Practicum I and II. Terrell coordinates experiential learning within the personal training and practicum courses by partnering student majors with an ONU faculty or staff needing assistance with exercise.
Terrell also serves as the Assistant Women's basketball coach at Ohio Northern University. Example basketball duties include: developing all strength and conditioning programs, recruiting, fundraising, assisting in practice planning, compiling scouting reports, conducting all video analysis, and assisting in camp and clinic operations.
Terrell enjoys staying in shape by running recreationally in road races, strength training, spinning, and going on long walks with her two dogs, Bailey and Emma.